Chrome will strengthen its efforts to become the default browser on Windows and other operating systems

Chrome continues to strengthen its position as the “default browser”

The battle for user audiences among web browsers does not end: every year they try to become the browser that will be used without extra effort. Google Chrome remains the leader in this race and does not rest on its laurels. The company is constantly working to convince users to set it as the default application for viewing web pages.

AI as one of the priorities
Modern browsers emphasize built‑in artificial intelligence features: in Chrome – the Gemini sidebar, in Microsoft Edge – Copilot. But even with such a “plus,” competition for audience is based not only on new capabilities. Big companies care more about retaining existing users than simply expanding their base.

Retention through habit
Users usually stay with the same browser out of habit. That’s why many browsers actively encourage setting themselves as the “default application.” This is done via pop‑ups that appear at first launch and remind you to make the switch.

New changes in Chrome
Chrome has long implemented similar messages: when opened for the first time a large invitation window appears, but the confirmation button is hidden in a corner. Now developers are testing a more persistent version on the Canary channel (beta versions), where the invitation becomes more noticeable and sits right in the middle of the screen. In addition, the browser offers to pin itself to the Windows taskbar for quick access.

What it means
Although the changes look minor, they can play an important role. Chrome is installed daily on thousands of devices; even a small increase in the probability that a user will keep it as the default application will have a noticeable effect at scale across all users. The new start page will likely appear in the next stable release of the browser.